Breath of fresh air for the district

So the Lib Dems have made it at last.

A breath of fresh air for the district after 24 years of Tory rule.

Maybe the dire national picture helped, certainly some tactical voting helped, but above all the sheer enthusiasm of their supporters, distributing leaflets and canvassing back and forth across all wards, must have been a major factor.

The arrival of Tory literature by first-class post spelt out perhaps the essential difference between the two parties.

Now, they are likely to say, the hard work begins.

But we all know the scope for action is limited. Local government has been starved of funds for many years and local services have been cut back.

However, Chichester has a fine tradition of volunteers stepping in to fill gaps and the new administration in East Pallant will no doubt encourage this even more – and appreciate what is done.

We need more investment in jobs for the area.

Our disproportionate dependence on public sector jobs has meant our economy has suffered in the last twelve years as the government has insisted on pay restraint. In real terms we are a good 10 per cent behind where we were.

With high interest rates businesses will be reluctant to start new ventures for the time being, so we must do all we can to help businesses already here.

At the end of the day, we are in charge of our destiny.

A new administration is a chance for a new beginning.

The party strife of the last few years in Chichester must go so that a new sense of common purpose can prevail.

Keith Tunstall Shippam Street Chichester